1
A Welcome by our Senior Vice President, Shawn Jenkins
In the Loop with WestCare California
“WestCare Family,
As you may know, May is Mental Health Awareness
Month. It goes without saying that we have all experi-
enced different levels of emotional or mental health
challenges at some time in our lives. In fact, half of us
will deal with some type of mental health disorder, be
it short or long term, over the course of our lifetime.
This can be a normal part of life such as stress or a
period of grieving or can be as serious as clini-
cal depression, bipolar disorder, demen-
tia, schizophrenia or an anxiety disorder. While some
of these issues may self resolve themselves through
your natural course of life, others are more serious and require professional support and attention.
However, as is the nature of our business, recovery is always around the corner to help us better
understand our situation, educate others and find a solution to cope with it. Mental health not only
affects all of us, but is tied into all that we do as an organization.
Regardless of what domain of service you work in, mental health
plays a key part whether it is helping someone overcome an addic-
tion, understanding all of the factors that can drive someone to
homelessness, assisting a veteran who has been traumatized by the
often unsettling circumstances of their service to our country, be-
ing there for someone who is coming to terms with a life-
threatening condition such as HIV/AIDS or paving a path to
reentry into society for an individual whose idea of ’home’ is three cement walls and a set of bars. For
the month of May, I would like to challenge all of our staff to make a personal pledge for Mental
Health Awareness Month. If you have received this newsletter via email, you should have also re-
ceived a template to make your own personal pledge whether it’s to be more mindful of how mental
health conditions affect those that we serve or to be more considerate of how your habits are
affecting your own mental wellness, for example. If you would like to participate, please write
down your pledge and take a picture of either the pledge or yourself holding your pledge and
send to [email protected] and [email protected] so that we can
share via our social media accounts about how our WestCare California staff are doing their
part to spread awareness that mental conditions don’t affect some people, but all people. You
should have also received a printable mental health awareness ribbon. I encourage all of our
staff to please print, sign, cut and display these ribbons in a prominent location at their sites
for the month of May such as a wall in their lobby or a window. Thank you for doing all that
you can to help us in our mission of “’Uplifting the Human Spirit.’”
Sincerely,
Shawn A. Jenkins, Senior Vice President, WestCare California
A monthly newsletter that covers the events of A monthly newsletter that covers the events of
our programs in:our programs in:
Bakersfield Bakersfield -- Chico Chico -- Chowchilla/CCWFChowchilla/CCWF
Fresno Fresno -- Hanford Hanford -- Represa/Folsom Represa/Folsom
Sacramento Sacramento -- San Diego San Diego -- San Luis Obispo/CMC San Luis Obispo/CMC
Stockton Stockton -- Vacaville/SolanoVacaville/Solano
Issue 43 Volume 3 May 2016Issue 43 Volume 3 May 2016
In This Issue
1. A Welcome by our
Senior Vice President,
Shawn Jenkins
2. Remembering Victor
Gonzales
3. Treatment and
Rehabilitation News
3. Veterans News
3. Education and
Prevention News
4. Criminal Justice News
4. Housing News
5. TEAM System Kudos!
5. Question of the Month
5. Upcoming Events
6 - 8. Program Directory
8. Social Media Directory
2
Remembering Victor Gonzales (1957 - 2016) By Jeff Estes
“Dear WestCare Family Members,
It is with great sadness that WestCare says goodbye to one of our family members, Victor
Gonzales. Victor was not only a mentor, but a leader and friend to so many who have come
through our doors. Victor was present to play the Native drum for all of our graduations to
honor the spirits of those who have gone before us, the spirit of those who sacrificed for our
freedom and to honor those who have found and have dedicated their lives to sobriety. For
those who did not have the opportunity to know Victor, he was a venerated member of the
Native American community throughout the state of California. Victor had over 25 years of
sobriety and dedicated his life early in his sobriety to the Red Road and bringing as many peo-
ple Native and non-Native alike to the Red Road to join him in his journey. Victor was an hon-
ored member of our armed forces in his younger life and carried those principles as well as
the principles and teachings of his traditional Native life with him throughout his journey on this
earth. Victor and the Eagle Bear Drummers lead many drum circles not just here at WestCare MLK,
but toured the Pow Wow circuit spreading the message of hope and passing along the songs to oth-
ers. Victor was an open book and willing to share his story with anyone who would listen. Victor was
also willing to share his culture with anyone who desired to learn. When one stood in the presence
of Victor, it was clear that he not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. Although we strive to pay
tribute to his legacy in any way possible, his true legacy will be carried on in the lives of those who
had the honor of walking the Red Road with him. A couple of clients that had the opportunity to
know Victor have decided to share a few words as well.
‘I only had the chance to meet Victor twice, but those two times that we met were a blessing. I could tell from the be-
ginning that Victor was a very nice, kind hearted and loving man who loved teaching people everything he knew about
the Native culture. The last time that I saw him, we were at a Native gathering and he told me, ’You have a very beauti-
ful daughter’ and he gave me a bundle of sage for my baby. Victor was a very respected man and he will be dearly
missed. I love you, my Native brother. Aho. Love always.’ - Zoe and Yvonne
‘My Native bro, Victor, I’ve had the opportunity to know you for a few years, 2013 to 2016. In that time, my daughters
Brittany, Logan and Kylee have learned the knowledge of Native ways that you’ve shown and taught us. Thank you al-
ways for your spirit, blessings and songs. You have always been a man of your word and were well respected. My family
will always remember you for who you are and what you stood for. Aho. Love always.’ - The Lomauhie Family
This is just a drop in the bucket of the lives that were touched by this man. No words or gestures are truly enough to
pay homage to Victor. How does one sum up a lifetime of dedication and determination? In my heart there is no need
to summarize, for his spirit is forever with us. All that we need to do is call upon him and he will gladly enter our circles
and offer guidance, support and unconditional love. His lessons will not be forgotten, but carried on from generation to
generation.
There are a couple of quotes that come to mind when I think of Victor and reflect upon what he stood for. The first
came from his funeral announcement: ‘There is the flesh and there is the spirit world. When the flesh is gone, the spirit
forever remains. Their voices speak to those who know how to listen. Wisdom is born in the heart and then spoken.’ -
Unknown
The second is one that has hung on my wall for years, but reminds me of Victor when I read it: ‘Honor the Sacred.
Honor the Earth, our Mother. Honor the Elders. Honor all with whom we share the Earth: Four leggeds, two leggeds,
winged ones, swimmers, crawlers, plant and rock people. Walk in balance and beauty.’ - Unknown
I simply cannot bring myself to say goodbye to Victor. I can only say, ‘Good journey, brother.’ I know the spirits of the
ancient ones rejoiced at your homecoming and welcomed you at their fires. Aho.” - Jeff Estes, RSMC Job Coach,
MLK Residential
3
Treatment and Rehabilitation News
4/5 - Happy Retirement to Ramiro
Calderon, PAII:
On behalf of all of our pro-
grams and those that we serve,
we would like to congratulate
Ramiro Calderon, PAII, on his
recent retirement and thank
him for his years of service,
tireless efforts and unwavering
commitment to those that deserve another chance.
4/30 - Heroes of the American Red Cross
Awards Recognizes Jenifer Alcorn:
We were happy to be on hand as our friend and commu-
nity partner, Jenifer Alcorn, was presented the
“Community Partner” award as part of the 2016 Heroes
for the American Red Cross Awards for her volunteer
work with our organization. Thank you, Jenifer, for being
such an inspiration to our men and women in recovery!
4/8 - A Real WestCare Hero:
We had the pleasure of being on hand as retired profes-
sional boxer and founder of the Team Jab fitness club, Je-
nifer Alcorn, was interviewed by our local NBC station
regarding her American Red Cross Central Valley nomina-
tion for their 2016 Heroes for the American Red Cross
“Community Partner” award for giving her time to pro-
vide various fitness classes for our women in treatment!
Following the interview, our men in treatment held a spe-
cial presentation to thank her for hers and Team Jab's re-
cent Easter donation of hygiene kits! They made and pre-
sented her with a book of thank you letters and a dream
catcher. On behalf of our staff and all of those that we
serve, thank you for "Uplifting the Human Spirit", Jenifer!
4/11 - 4/20 - Agua for AIDS Water Drive:
With the help of our amazing Fresno State University
marketing volunteers and the generosity of our staff, we
were able to procure donations of over 60 cases of water
for the participants of the 5th Annual Fresno AIDS Walk
on October 22nd at Woodward Park! We also managed
to barricade our Senior Vice President, Shawn Jenkins,
into his office for a little Friday fun! Thanks to everyone
that supported this great cause!
Education and Prevention News
An SJVV Success Story: ”This is Mickey. He came to us
seeking housing. While enrolled
with SJVV, he worked closely with
his Veteran Advocate, completed
all his workshops and gained em-
ployment with AARP. He is cur-
rently working 18 to 25 hours a
week and also took in his 16-
year-old grandson! He asked me if I could help him with
his resume two days ago, which I did and here he is in the
paper looking for further employment! Mickey is doing
great. He is no longer homeless, has full custody of his
grandson and was telling me he was very proud of his
grandson as he has improved in school and is making the
grade. I believe this is how WestCare ‘Uplifts the Human
Spirit.’ I felt I should share this with the rest of
the WestCare California family. Moments like these re-
mind us of why ‘We do what we do.’ It's not for personal
gain, but for the all of humanity and if we stand together,
we are strong together. Thank you, WestCare!” - Angela
Corona, Educator, SJVV Hanford
Mickey (Right) attending the Honor a Hero Hire a Vet job fair on April 21st in Lemoore. Picture courtesy of Hanford Sun Sentinel.
Veterans News
4
Criminal Justice News
4/4 - CCTRP Stockton Open Its Doors:
We recently opened our newest Custody to Community
Transitional Reentry Program (CCTRP) in Stockton and it
is off to a great start! We currently have 12 women and
more coming in every week. Our residents are so excited
to be there and are responsible for why the opening has
gone so smoothly. They are motivated to get their new
lives started and have
had such a positive atti-
tude. We are thrilled to
be able to give these
women the services that
they deserve! Welcome
to the WestCare family
and welcome HOME!
Housing News
4/13 - Homeless Summit VIII:
We were proud to be a part of the Homeless Summit VIII
event that emphasized the importance of collaboration
between faith-based and community service organizations
for finding long term solutions to the issue of homeless-
ness in our Central Valley. We were honored to have our
Senior Vice President, Shawn Jenkins, speak as part of a
panel that included representatives from the Fresno
Madera Continuum of Care and focused on long term
solutions such as permanent housing. We were also rep-
resented at the resource fair portion of the event with
staff from our San Joaquin Valley Veterans, Housing Ser-
vices and The Living Room programs. Through future col-
laboration and increased awareness, we hope to play a big
part in helping end chronic and veteran homelessness in
our Central Valley.
4/27 - CCTRP Stockton Gets “Dressed for
Success” With Weekly Tradition:
The ladies at our
CCTRP program in
Stockton have be-
gun a tradition of
"Dressing for Suc-
cess" on every
Wednesday. They'll wear clothing that matches the job
that they would like to see themselves in whether it's
business attire for an office job or clothing that'd be more
suitable for a blue collar job such as a mechanic. To date,
our clothing closet has been stocked entirely by the gen-
erous donations from Sacramento CDCR staff! We hope
that by carrying on this tradition, we are empowering our
ladies to envision and reach their dreams!
4/13 - A Project LiftOff Success Story:
“We have a success story
for Project LiftOff! As of
4/13/2016, Gabriela com-
pleted the program and
transitioned into housing
on her own. She complet-
ed case management with
WestCare and is now
solely utilizing her Housing
Choice Voucher with the
Fresno Housing Authority. We are excited for her con-
tinued success as she has now achieved self-sufficiency
from our supportive services.” - Michelle Allen, Case
Manager, Project LiftOff
4/19 - Housing Services Hosts Training:
Our Housing Services of-
fice hosted a potluck and
training for members of
the 25 Cities Fresno initia-
tive and Fresno Madera
Continuum of Care led by
Sara Rios, Community
Coordinator with MAP
Point. Big thanks go out to Sara for bringing the team to-
gether to provide training and motivation to reach our
goals of ending both Veteran and Chronic homelessness!
5
TEAM System Kudos!
Melissa Reed:
“I just wanted to let you know how
much I appreciate everything you do to
help maintain and grow the White Bison
program. You are always there at the
drop of the hat with a smile and willing
heart. You have demonstrated time and
again what it means to ‘Uplift the Human
Spirit’ and I wanted you to know that it
has not gone unnoticed. Thank you again for all that you do
day in and day out. ‘Everything on the earth has a purpose,
every disease an herb to cure it and every person a mission.
This is the Native theory of existence.’” (Christal Quintasket,
Salish) – Jeff Estes, RMSC Job Coach, MLK Residential
“I’ve been playing bass guitar
since I was in high school and
have since played bass in six dif-
ferent bands. Someday, I would
love to take up drumming.” -
Michael Mygind, Special Pro-
jects Officer, Administration
Question of the Month for June:
“Who is your favorite professional athlete
(Male or female)?”
“I play the violin. I’ve been playing
since 7th grade and I’m 63
now. My grandson Liam is carry-
ing on the tradition and is playing
in his school orchestra. It makes
me very proud!” – Pamela
Courson, Data Entry Specialist,
MLK Residential
Question of the Month:
“Do you play an instrument?”
Esther Carnegie:
Michelle Allen awarded her
“Caught being good” token to
Esther Carnegie for taking the
time to help her fellow Housing
Services staff with her client.
Rick McNiel and Robert Motley:
“We wanna’ give a big ‘Thank you!’ to our WestCare
maintenance crew for helping us get our unit ready for
our next family to move in. I gave my ‘Uplifting the Hu-
man Spirit’ token to Rick and Michelle gave hers to Rob-
ert.” – MaryAnn Calderon, Program Coordinator,
Housing Services
Robert Huerta:
Sara Rios presented her MAP
Point teammate, Robert Huer-
ta , an “Uplifting the Human
Spirit” token for always main-
taining a positive attitude.
Upcoming Events:
May 19th - Spring 2016 Graduation:
All staff are welcome to attend our upcoming Spring
graduation at the Tower Theatre in Fresno located at
815 E. Olive. Sixty graduates from our various treatment
programs will walk the stage in completion of their pro-
gram as they begin a new stage in their lives. The com-
mencement will begin at 6:00 and our featured keynote
speaker will be Jenifer Alcorn. We hope to see you all
there as we celebrate the successes of those we serve.
6
Program Directory
Fresno Office
1505 N. Chestnut
Fresno, CA 93703
(559) 251-4800
Services: Management, Administra-
tive Support, Human Resources,
Accounting/Billing, Contract Compli-
ance, IT Support, Marketing/Media,
Procurement, Creative Services
Administration
The Living Room
901 E. Belmont
Fresno, CA 93701
(559) 486-1469
Services: Case Management, Hot
Meals Program, Housing Opportuni-
ties for Persons With AIDS
(HOPWA), Linkage to Testing and
Medical Care, Social Support
Education and Prevention
MLK Residential
2772 S. MLK Blvd
Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 265-4800
Services: Men’s/Women’s Short
Term Residential, Men’s/Women’s
Long-Term Residential, Residential
Treatment Program for Women and Children (M’ella), Resi-
dential Treatment Program for Men and Children: Papa Natal,
Residential Multi Service Center (RMSC)
Y-MAX Adolescent Program
410 E. 7th St,
Suite 5, 7, 9
Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 584-8100
Services: Adolescent Outpatient
Drug-Free Program
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Liberty Plaza (Sober Living)
4605 E. Liberty Fresno, CA 93702
(559) 237-3420 Ext. 20367
Services: Sober Living for Women
Bakersfield Residential
2901 S. H Street Bakersfield, CA
93304
(661) 398-4303
Services: Men’s Long-term Residen-
Belmont Health & Wellness
611 E. Belmont Fresno, CA 93701
(559) 237-3420
Services: Admissions, Adolescent
Outpatient Drug-Free Program,
Adult Outpatient Program,
Day Reporting Center (DRC)
McKinney Plaza (Sober Living)
1388 & 1398 E. Bulldog Ln
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 237-3420 Ext. 20367
Services: Sober Living for Men
Crisis Psychiatric Response
Services (CPRS)
209 E. 7th St.
Madera, CA 93638
(559) 673-3508
Services: Mobile emergency
department response services,
Mental health services, crisis intervention, wellness planning, dis-
charge planning, Consumer centered and team based interven-
tions, Service coordination to adults and older adults receiving
services from designated hospital emergency departments within
Madera County who are deemed appropriate for an assessment
for involuntary psychiatric treatment pursuant to California Wel-
fare and Institutions Code Section 5150
Mental Health and Wellness
Supportive Overnight Stay
(SOS)
2772 S. MLK Blvd
Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 512-6802
Services: Provide a safe, supportive
environment to spend the night for
individuals who arrive at an ER with a mental health condition
needing services that don’t require a legal hold, Case Manage-
ment and transportation to ensure client engagement with
outpatient mental health services, Linkages to outpatient men-
tal health programs and supportive services such as housing,
food stamps, general assistance and SSI
7
Program Directory (Continued from Page 6)
Veterans Services
Merced
399 George Drive
BLDG. F
Merced, CA 95341
(209) 662-6073
Stockton
4545 Georgetown Pl.
Building D
Stockton, CA 95207
(209) 662-6073
Fresno
1617 E. Saginaw Way
Suite 102
Fresno, CA 93704
(559) 255-8838
San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV)
Services: Drop-In and Ancillary Services, Supportive Services For Veteran Families (Services provided to Veterans through SSVF
include: Short-term case management, legal assistance, housing counseling services and placement assistance, financial planning ser-
vices, financial assistance for move in, eviction prevention, utilities, transportation, childcare and emergency supplies.)
Hanford
410 E. 7th St
Suite 5
Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 584-8100
HomeFront
3605 Eugenia
Fresno, CA 93725
(559) 266-1169
Services: Transitional housing for fe-
male Veterans with/without children for
up to two years, case management
Veterans Plaza
119 N. Calaveras
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 241-8751
Services: Transitional housing
for male Veterans for up to
two years, case management
Housing Opportunities Housing Services
2443 S. Orange Fresno, CA 93725
(559) 241-8753
Services: Assistance with supportive housing to
families who are currently or chronically home-
less, Housing programs to assist individuals and
families with or without disabilities, Project LiftOff: Housing programs for low
income families with a disabled family member, Emergency Solutions Grant
(ESG), Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoC) Coordinated Entry
Multi-Agency Access
Program
MAP Point at the Pov
412 F Street Fresno, CA
93706
(559) 512-6777
Services: Coordinated intake/assessment pro-
cess connecting individuals facing housing, sub-
stance abuse, or mental illness challenges to
supportive services. Criminal Justice
Bakersfield
2901 S. H St.
Bakersfield, CA 93304
(661) 326-0485
Fresno
2772 S. MLK Blvd
Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 265-4800
Specialized Treatment for Optimized Programming (STOP)
Services: Case management, treatment placement in residential, outpatient and sober living, domestic violence education, voca-
tional training, pre-employment, job placement services and transportation from prison to treatment.
Chico
2585 Ceanothus Ave.
Suite 170
Chico, CA 95973
(530) 830-1180
Area 1 Area 3
Sacramento
1820 Tribute Rd.
Suite #K
Stockton, CA 93704
(916) 564-4400
8
Program Directory (Continued from Page 7)
8
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Calif. Men’s Colony
CA Highway 1
San Luis Obispo, CA 93409
(805) 547-7900 Ext. 7966
Re-Entry Hub
Services: Provides 250 female inmates where treatment services
are based on the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles
with a strong focus on continued treatment upon parole.
Folsom State Prison (FSP)
300 Prison Rd,
Represa, CA 95671
(916) 985-2561 Ext. 4086
Calif. State Prison
2100 Peabody Rd.
Vacaville, CA 95687
(707) 451-0182
Stockton
1609 N. Wilson Way
Stockton, CA 95205
(209) 642-8488
Custody to Community Transitional Reentry
Program (CCTRP)
Services: Provides treatment services to female inmates (83 in San Die-
go, 50 in Stockton) who have a minimum of 45 day and a maximum of 2
years left on their sentence. We provide an array of gender responsive
trauma informed services including substance abuse, mental health, do-
mestic violence, education, vocational and employment readiness.
Long Term Offender Program (LTOP) - Women’s
Services: A cognitive based program that includes substance
abuse treatment specifically structured for long-term offend-
ers who will not be released in the near future.
Central Calif. Women’s
Facility (CCWF)
23370 Road 22
Chowchilla, CA 93610
(559) 665-1408
San Diego
3050 Armstrong St.
San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 359-8266
Long Term Offender Program (LTOP) - Men’s
Services: Serves Long Term Male Offenders who will
not be released in the near future. Provides access to
cognitive behavior therapy programs, substance abuse,
criminal thinking, anger management and family rela-
tionships.
Criminal Justice (Continued)